“Mit fu00fcnf Mark sind Sie dabei” These words echo from the Jochen Richert Plaque. Right here on Ku00f6nigstrasse 29 in Berlin’s Steglitz-Zehlendorf district. This unassuming plaque commemorates a remarkable man. Jochen Richert the father of the German television lottery.
The Jochen Richert Plaque isn’t just a piece of bronze. It represents a significant moment in German television history. Richert a press officer for the Berlin Hilfswerk saw the potential of television. He realized it could be a powerful tool for fundraising. He envisioned a lottery broadcast on television. His idea blossomed into the first television lottery.
The initial broadcast on April 28 1956 was a huge success. It was called “Ferienplu00e4tze fu00fcr Berliner Kinder” which translates to “Holiday places for Berlin children”. Richert’s ingenious slogan “Mit fu00fcnf Mark sind Sie dabei” or “With five marks you’re in” was catchy and effective. He even served as the lottery’s drawmaster.
The lottery raised millions of Deutschmarks. This money provided holidays for countless Berlin children and families. It helped those affected by the Berlin Blockade. Richert’s initiative provided “a place in the sun” for those in need. The phrase “Ein Platz an der Sonne” itself is rich with history. It harkens back to German colonial ambitions. However Richert’s use of the phrase was profoundly different. It represented hope and relief not domination.
This simple plaque is more than just a memorial. It’s a testament to Richert’s ingenuity and compassion. It is a symbol of the power of television and the importance of helping others. It is a reminder that even a small contribution can make a big difference. The Jochen Richert Plaque deserves a moment of quiet reflection. It stands as a powerful symbol of hope and generosity. It quietly reminds us of the man who brought joy to countless children.